Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approves long sought anti-harassment law

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Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers late on Tuesday passed a long sought anti-harassment law, which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a 300,000 riyals (80,000 US dollars) fine.

The Council of Ministers, which met on Tuesday night in the port city of Jeddah, swiftly passed the law only a day after the 150-seat Shura Council, the kingdom’s legislative advisory body, approved the draft bill with a majority of 84 votes.

Saudi Arabia allowed women to enter a football stadium for the first time to watch a match, January 12, 2018. /VCG Photo

The legislation was prepared by the Ministry of Interior on the orders of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who heads the Council of Ministers. “The royal decree has been prepared,” announced the council.

“The legislation aims at combating the crime of harassment, preventing it, applying punishment against perpetrators and protecting the victims in order to safeguard the individual’s privacy, dignity and personal freedom which are guaranteed by Islamic law and regulations,” a statement from the Shura Council said.

Saudi women are allowed to drive cars from June 2018. /VCG Photo

The anti-harassment legislation “is a very important addition to the history of regulations in the Kingdom,” Shura Council member, Dr. Latifa Al Shaalan, said. “It fills a large legislative vacuum, and it is a deterrent system when compared with a number of similar laws in other countries.”

A clear definition of what constitutes harassment will help the public prosecutor investigate complaints and present suitable punishment for those convicted.